Pin it The smell of cinnamon and apples bubbling on the stove takes me back to rainy Sunday afternoons when I needed something warm but didnt have hours to make a full pie. These roll-ups came from one of those desperate experiments that turned into a household favorite. I love how the tortillas get crisp like pastry but with so much less effort.
I first made these for my daughters sleepover party when six hungry girls descended on the kitchen expecting something special. The way they fell silent when I pulled the baking sheet out of the oven told me everything. Now they request them for every celebration and honestly I do not mind making them at all.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples: Granny Smith holds its texture best while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Just enough to draw out the apple juices without making it cloying
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The backbone of that cozy apple pie flavor we all crave
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds warmth that rounds out the cinnamon beautifully
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: For cooking the apples until they turn tender and syrupy
- 6 medium flour tortillas: The secret weapon that replaces pastry dough with zero fuss
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Brushed on top to help the cinnamon sugar stick and create golden edges
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Forms that irresistible crunchy exterior we all fight over
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for the classic snickerdoodle style coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get it to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
- Cook the apple filling:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat then add apples sugar cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until apples soften and the juices thicken into a syrup.
- Fill the tortillas:
- Lay out each tortilla and spoon the apple mixture along one edge leaving room to roll.
- Roll them tight:
- Start from the filled edge and roll snugly placing each seam side down on your prepared baking sheet.
- Add the butter coating:
- Brush the tops generously with melted butter so the cinnamon sugar has something to grab onto.
- Make the cinnamon sugar:
- Stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
- Coat and bake:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the roll-ups then bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm:
- Let them cool for just a few minutes then serve while still warm with ice cream if you want to go all out.
Pin it Last fall my neighbor smelled these baking and knocked on my door with a carton of vanilla ice cream. We ended up eating them warm on the back porch watching leaves fall and talking for hours. Sometimes dessert is really just an excuse to slow down and connect.
Choosing Your Apples
Through trial and error I have learned that apple choice matters more than I once thought. Granny Smith apples hold their shape beautifully and provide that perfect tart balance while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness that means you can use less sugar. Avoid Red Delicious or Gala because they turn mushy and watery when cooked losing all texture.
Make Ahead Magic
You can prep the apple filling up to two days ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake just warm it slightly so it rolls easily then proceed with the recipe. The roll-ups are best served fresh but they reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Serving Ideas
These are delightful on their own but a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates that perfect hot cold contrast we all love. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes them over the top or try whipped cream with a little cinnamon folded in. For breakfast I have even served them with a side of yogurt and called it a treat.
- Chopped pecans inside add a lovely crunch
- A pinch of sea salt on top intensifies the flavors
- Vanilla ice cream is practically mandatory
Pin it Whether for a weeknight dessert or an impromptu gathering these roll-ups deliver all the comfort of apple pie with a fraction of the effort. Hope they become as beloved in your kitchen as they are in mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal due to their balance of tartness and sweetness, holding texture well when cooked.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the roll-ups in advance. Bake just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → Are there alternatives to flour tortillas?
Whole wheat tortillas can add fiber and a nuttier flavor, while maintaining the soft texture needed for rolling.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the roll-ups?
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling before rolling for a satisfying crunch and added flavor.
- → What sauces pair well with these apple roll-ups?
Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream complement the warm spices and sweet apple filling beautifully.